Written question asked by Rudi Vis (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 November 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 November 1998. It was answered by Baroness Primarolo (Labour) on Thursday, 12 November 1998 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the accuracy rate of the self-assessment returns generated by computer programs; and what steps he has taken to identify design faults in specific programs.

Answer: Dr. Vis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the accuracy rate of the self-assessment returns generated by computer programs; and what steps he has taken to identify design faults in specific programs. [58686] Dawn Primarolo: Self Assessment paper returns are processed in the same way whether the form is computer generated or Revenue issued. The Inland Revenue does not record whether a rejected paper return was computer generated. Around 10 per cent. of electronically lodged returns were initially rejected for the 1996-97 tax year. The reason for rejection would be notified to the taxpayer or their agent. Problems can arise because of the inaccurate entry of data, faults in the software, or problems with the Inland Revenue's own system. Where there is a recurrent problem it is investigated; if it relates to the software the provider is notified.

Secondary information